Soon-To-Be-Released C8 Corvette's Squared-Off Steering Wheel Featured on Roadshow Blog

With the Corvette C8 reveal a mere few days away, every little scrap of content gleaned about this exciting new car's release has been sought after! We've seen the spy shots, heard many reasons why this is going to be such a great design, and now everyone on staff here at O'Rielly Chevy of Tucson is simply just waiting for coverage of the exciting day. On July 12, Chevy published the first official image of the 2020 C8 Corvette's steering wheel, a detail that many were excited to feast their eyes on.

It appears at first glance a bit more like what's on board the Ford GT than the outgoing C7 model: there are only two spokes on the wheel, each moving downwards to the logo flags in a flipped sense. Below each spoke is where the audio controls are, and a few limited switches are situated right on the spokes themselves. There is a fairly large space above the wheel hub that the Roadshow staff thought was a bit odd, but could be practical if there is the future existence of a very large digital gauge cluster.

Chevy also released an image of prior models' steering wheels just to provide an accurate idea of how much it has changed over the years. When you take a look back at the first- and second-generation Corvette wheels they are about as normal and straightforward as can be, but airbags and other elements would get in the way if they were to be replicated today. The last time there was a two-spoke wheel it was planted in the C4, which also sported a digital dashboard filling in the open space that was one of our personal favorites. It will be interesting to see just what Chevy does with the interior next, as everything else has been quite radical and pioneering in terms of this release!

July 18 at 7:30 P.M. Is when the C8 makes its debut, and you can actually follow along on the live stream here from GM! Some of the concepts that have come off the drawing boards since mid-engined became a thing are truly amazing: The 1964 Mid-Engine XP 817 shown here looks like what the most perfectly-cut diecast or “Hot Wheels” car would be: having all of the supercharged goods fully visible right behind the driver looks menacing yet smooth and vintage.

The curved accents on the 1986 mid-engine Indy Corvette concept are also futuristic and have a great sense of flow at a glance, and this was one attempt that looks a bit Ferrari-esque as does the C8 slated to be released this week. More than 60 years of engineers mulling over something that has finally become more than a daydream is exciting to any dedicated track fan, and this year makes the mark as one that will always go down in history regarding the Salacious and show-stealing Corvette!

Made All-American in Bowling Green: The Chevy Corvette Celebrates a Patriotic Production Milestone

During this All-American week when fireworks, ballpark franks, and family picnics are the name of the game, many conversations are turning to goods that are American made. All of us here at O'Rielly Chevy of Tucson understand that within the economic climate, some manufacturers have really had to cut corners on cost and outsourcing. This makes us prouder than ever regarding the Chevy Corvette and its hub of creation: the GM Bowling Green Assembly Plant. Widely known as one of the greatest American sports cars of all time, the Corvette has had a stronghold with many as a staple of greatness off and on the track for decades.

The Corvette has been built exclusively at the Bowling Green Assembly Plant in Kentucky since 1981, as the 1.7 million square-ft facility has been witness to numerous important moments in auto building history. On July 2^nd, 1992, this plant was the scene of the 1 millionth Chevy Corvette and in June of 2003, the facility commemorated the 50^th anniversary of the Corvette with a special edition release. Buyers can even choose to pick up their brand new 'Vette at the National Corvette Museum, which is located just over a mile from this plant.

One of the qualities that really makes this vehicle stand out as all-accessible within its American made traits is the way in which the facility's Performance Build Center involves the customer. Earlier on in during the lifespan of the Corvette C7, buyers could choose to work with an on-site builder to put together their very own LTV V8 engine. These days, Kentucky is not only the current base for the brand but a location that is heavily rooted in its future as well. Just three months ago, it was officially announced that 400 jobs would be added as well as a second shift to the facility to provide support for the production of the upcoming 2020 mid-engined Corvette C8, slated to debut July 18.

GM Authority will be present during the reveal to cover it live, documenting the appearance of this American-born legend as it launches on out to an all-new 8^th generation. Bowling Green Assembly is the only plant in the world that builds Corvettes, and the facility has seen more than 1 million roll off its assembly line since 1981. It proudly boasts the largest solar array of any auto builder in the state, and the team here is present at various customer events during the year to gain feedback and personal insight on the product they are so proud to create every day. Today, Bowling Green even has a new paint process that incorporates dry scrubber technology, LED lighting, and a limestone system to make an unbelievably stunning paint job while going easy on the planet's precious resources at the same time!

2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 Diesel Deemed by Motor1.com as “The One to Have”

Tim Esterdahl of Motor1.com has quite obviously driven many trucks in his day, and knows the various demands that customers have on the desired heavy towing and hauling machines on their wish lists. He begins by clearly stating that over the last few years, it is no secret that many in the industry have claimed that diesels will not sell, due to lack of demand. You can just rush out and purchase a ¾ ton with the big 6.0 – liter V8 engine and tell yourself that you are satisfied, but may not experience that satisfaction in as pure a form as those did who purchased the trend-breaking Ram 1500 in 2014.

Sporting a 3.0-Liter V6 EcoDisel, it was a truck that turned many heads and properly heated the diesel market back up. Now the 2020 Chevy Silverado is set to arrive in the fall right here at O'Rielly Chevy of Tucson, after a year delay. Our prized diesel differs quite a bit from the standing competition in its layout: it's a 3.0 – liter straight-six. Even though performance is similar to the rivals off the bat, inline engines, for the most part, are known to be smoother, better balanced, and not as overpoweringly noisy. This new 1500 cranks out 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque at just about 1500 rpm, which is an attribute that really helps get the load moving steadily during tow duty.

As this particular testing team looked at off-the-line performance for the extended-cab Silverado RST, they were thoroughly impressed. With just a very small throttle input, the diesel really sprung to life, and literally pushed the crew back in the seat. When putting the Silverado into sport mode, there is more available fun since the throttle input and transmission shift points are altered, and this proved to be very much ideal on the twisting roads of rural Oregon. This particular group even went so far as to say that “Chevy's powertrain combo allows you to plan to merge two cars ahead. It's that impressive”.

It also amazed Tim and the crew how quiet the diesel was: Chevy took it upon themselves to add the best in extensive sound deadening in the engine bay to quiet the clatter that usually is synonymous with diesel power. Under the hood is a thick piece of foam, a strip surrounding  the hood latch, and also a timing belt instead of timing chain. The zero to sixty trot is accomplished in 7.6 seconds, and fuel economy is rated right at around 28 MPG. We are excited to aggressively join Ford and Ram in the diesel race, as customers for years have been begging automakers to build diesel half-tons in various offerings. We hope you come down to visit us this summer and talk diesel options, as the ones on the table deserve your dire focus and full-on truck lover's attention!

GM Authority Highlights What's New and Exciting For 2020 Chevy Tahoe

The all-new fifth generation Chevy Tahoe is officially slated to launch for the 2021 model year, and many fans of the vehicle here at O'Rielly Chevy of Tucson have asked what's new and different about the final fourth-generation 2020 model. As always, the seasoned staff on duty at GM Authority were at the helm already cooking up a feature that outlined the fine and necessary details. As far as the exterior is concerned, the Pepperdust Metallic color has now been deleted, and the 22-inch Gloss Black aluminum wheels with custom silver accents as well as bright machined aluminum wheels with Bright Silver finish have been discontinued.

The All-Season Package and LT Signature Package will not be offered anymore: these changes were identical to what was seen on the Tahoe's extended-length sibling, the 2020 Suburban. The GM Arlington plant where the Tahoe is assembled was recently completely revamped to produce the future Tahoe which is based on the T1 platform. Delivering all-new underpinnings and engineering, the experts at GM Authority also provided the details here about the incoming model. It will be significantly lighter than the 4th-generation model, by as much as 300 pounds. There is also the inclusion of the MyLink infotainment system, which expertly organizes and integrates your technology so you can make and receive calls, get text message alerts, and enjoy other convenient features – all while keeping your compatible mobile device stored.

We've been lead to believe that the potential addition of an independent rear suspension may also be an option, as well as inclusion of the GM Super Cruise autonomous driving technology. When it first debuted in 2017, Super Cruise was much like Tesla's complete “Autopilot” system. It incorporates cameras, radar, and KIDAR mapping data, combined with a robust driver monitoring system to take a lot of the daily stress out of highway travel. While engaged, drivers can actually take their feet off the pedals and hands off the steering wheel, a pretty amazing feat. A driver-facing camera mounted on the steering column monitors drivers' eye movements to ensure their attention stays safely on the road as well.

As far as engines, the incoming Tahoe is expected to feature the following engine choices: a twin-turbo V-6, such as the Twin-Turbo 3.0-Liter V-6 LGW or Twin – Turbo 3.6 -Liter V-6 LF3, and one or two Small-Block V-8 options, such as the 5.3- Liter V-8 L84 or the 6.2-Liter V-8 L87. The firm competition will exist in the form of the Ford Expedition, Toyota Sequoia, and Nissan Armada. Definitely designed to make a first and lasting impression, you'll find premium stitching and craftsmanship, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and 8-inch diagonal touch-screen display with phone integration. Ask us about the acoustic-laminated windshield and inlaid doors with triple seals, helping to make the Tahoe a quiet transport option and sanctuary from the “sounds of the street”!

GM Authority Highlights in Detail How the Chevy Trax, Traverse, and Equinox are Perfect Fits for Families

As the summer months are upon us here at O'Rielly Chevy of Tucson, many family reunions are taking place in the great outdoors for our valuable customers and all of us here on staff. We all truly feel that the Chevy is the #1 choice on the market for families, and the crossover body style definitely fulfills the requirements of lugging your loved ones around in tow comfortably. This past week on the GM Authority blog, they featured the “Family Reunion” video that showcases the so very useful features of the best family-friendly trio in the business: the 2019 Chevy Trax, 2019 Equinox, and 2019 Traverse.

The crossover variant has four doors, a hatch with plenty of cargo room, a high-riding stance with prime driving position, and ample space for passenger comfort. It's no surprise that this is a segment that has grown so fast in popularity among families, and during this video, the host begins by asking which of these three vehicles the family members gravitate towards. The 2019 Chevy Trax is fit into the subcompact segment, the Equinox as the compact, and the Traverse as the fullest-size seven-seater. The ad ends with an incentive offer for the 2019 Equinox, which provides for current owners of a non-Chevy vehicle to get 14 percent below MSRP on most Equinox models, attracting those who have developed loyalty elsewhere to check out the multiple benefits of Chevy ownership for the growing family!

The 2019 Chevy Trax provides very easy access and chair-height seats, and rear seat accommodations have been consistently ranked time after time as commendable. It's a very secure and highly maneuverable crossover that set out to provide a very high value and comfort point as well as having one of the best extended warranties in the business as an option. Peppy and fun to drive, ask us here at O'rielly about the LT package, that absolutely gives it the most bang for the buck.

We guarantee that you're going to love the solid-base 1.5 – liter engine and available turbo 2.0 – liter of the Chevy Equinox, and its incredibly firm yet controlled ride. It's a fun and powerful compact SUV that seats up to five and is the competition on the market for the Honda CRV, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue, Ford Escape, and Jeep Cherokee. Exciting new features for this year were adaptive cruise control and front pedestrian braking, and both available 360-degree camera system and standard backup camera deliver high-definition views. Four USB ports for your devices are also now standard.

The 2019 Chevy Traverse is widely-known for an absolutely grade-A family trait: an ultra smooth ride during all circumstances! This is the vehicle you want if your family has experienced many frequent visitors or the abundance of growth lately: it seats up to 8 in three rows. Available in front or all-wheel drive, it's the SUV with urban style ques that also has a 5,000 – pound maximum towing capacity. The LT Premium Package includes the 360-degree camera system, 20-inch aluminum wheels, a rear camera mirror, navigation, high-quality Bose stereo, and household-style power outlet. Check out this new video from GM Authority here, and figure out which of the trio will fit your family's needs best for summer 2019!

Torque News Deems 2020 Silverado “An Engine Worth Waiting For”

When the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado with the in-line six turbo diesel makes its way off the assembly line, some of the most competent review teams on the web are already claiming that it was an engine well worth waiting for! The knowledgeable staff on task at Torquenews.com provided a blog last week showcasing the class-leading torque and horsepower the truck will offer, as well as capability and great fuel economy. This is the first time an inline-six turbo-diesel is offered in Chevy's full-size light-duty trucks, and there are just a few final steps to go through for official government certification.

As soon as the green light is given, production will be able to begin in Flint, Michigan during the summer. Nicolar Menarini, director for Diesel Truck Engine Program Execution, claimed excitedly that “from the moment the engine is started, to its idle, acceleration and highway cruising, the 3.0-Liter Duramax performance will change perceptions of what a diesel engine can offer in refinement.” Our sales and service staff right here at O'Rielly Chevy of Tucson agree that this is going to offer up a no-compromise choice for those who have a need for a rugged, capable, and class-leading truck in their arsenal. The 3.0-Liter Duramax Diesel is slated to be available on LT, RST, LTZ, and the High Country models.

Truly an engine that was crafted with days of heavy hauling and demanding tow in mind, it is rated at an SAE-certified 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The Diesel is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and a torque converter will provide the means for a smooth and comfortable ride. While using Tow and Haul mode, exhaust braking will be on deck to help slow the vehicle, while curbing the need to ride the brakes heavily. The team of genius minds on deck also outfitted this awesome engine with ceramic glow plugs, that heat up more quickly and reach a higher temperature than traditional types, resulting in better cold weather starts.

If you're contemplating purchasing a diesel, we know that you have heard over and over again about the noise: the 3.0 L Duramax has a tuned air induction system, and was specifically designed to deliver smoothness and exceptional quietness at all speeds. The all-new Duramax cylinder block is constructed from a cast aluminum alloy, resulting in about 25 percent less mass than a cast iron engine block. Gas prices always climb a bit during the summer so fuel economy has been quite a hot topic as of late, and start/stop technology is a huge help: it will fully stop the engine at stop lights and other long pauses to conserve that precious element that keeps her fully able and apt to last through the longest and most demanding of days. After a test drive, you'll see what all the rage Is about, and will want to carefully consider having a dependable Duramax-driven Silverado as your own!

GM Authority Highlights What's New and Exciting on Deck For 2020 Chevy Sonic

When all of us on duty here at O'Rielly Chevy are fielding inquiries from customers about what is in store for coming models, we always have our choice of resources to glean from, and like to be choosy. With so much out there on the internet up for digital grabs and speculation, we have always appreciated GM Authority as being the “real deal” as far as claims and stats are concerned. We gave their page a visit this week to check out the scoop on the 2020 Chevy Sonic, and they offered up the details needed to inform our curious counterparts!

While it's true that cars in the subcompact category have been losing their foothold a bit while customers with buying power are favoring small crossovers, GM is planning to stand firm and proud with the Sonic range. The color selection will see the removal of the Orange Burst Metallic and Shock exterior colors, with the addition of Oasis Blue and Cayenne Orange Metallic exterior added to the hatchback variant. The biggest changes are in the powertrain department, where the 2020 Sonic ditches the manual transmission across its entire range, affecting the LS, LT, and Premier Sedan as well as the Premier Hatchback and LT.

The turbocharged 1.4-Liter engine continues on as the primary power producer, generating 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. We know full well that during March 2017 there was a rumor that GM would definitely discontinue the Sonic as soon as 2018, but this news from GM Authority confirms that it will stick around for the coming year. This was the vehicle to originally replace the Aveo in the Chevy lineup, and is still Chevy's second-smallest car situated above the Chevy Spark and underneath the Chevy Cruze, midsize Malibu, and full-size sedan Chevy Impala.

There was a midcycle refresh seen by the Sonic during the 2017 model year, and during 2018 it saw a change to the Sun and Sound Package, and the 7-inch diagonal color touchscreen added as standard. This piece from Carsdirect.com states that production will most likely begin July of 2019, and result in a release date sometime around early September. We are fully aware that the stiff competition poised to battle the Sonic will be the Nissan Versa Note, Honda Fit, and Hyundai Accent. The engine new for last year can achieve up to an EPA-estimated 27 miles per gallon city, 38 mpg highway, and 31 combined. Come down to see us this spring and check out the vehicle that Car and Driver themselves claims offers awesome “practicality, efficiency, and agility in a compact package!”